Monsters of the Midway - 2011 Chicago Auto Show

We present the meanest machines at the Chicago Auto Show.

a new generation of fans. The car has been lowered slightly and the suspension upgraded to match the engine performance. That short-throw 6-speed manual should be fantastic on the track, or on your weekend drive. For the truly brave, the traction and stability-control systems can be turned completely off. And if that's not wild enough, the limited-edition Laguna Seca version ditches the rear seat (to save weight) and adopts an even more track-oriented exterior.

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2011 Cadillac CTS-V

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The Cadillac CTS-V is the perfect muscle car for the perpetually undecided. Do you want the style of a coupe, the convenience of a sedan, or the utility of a station wagon? With the CTS-V family tree, all three choices are available. Ironically, it's the station wagon that often gets the nod for being the best-looking of the bunch. Yet no matter what layout you choose, the motivating force is a sensational 556-bhp 6.2-liter supercharged V-8, mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Cadillac says the CTS-V can reach 60 mph in "less than" 4 seconds. That's quicker than many sports cars—and more rapid than iconic German sport sedans such as the BMW M5. Magnetic Ride Control constantly adjusts the suspension damping to keep the ride sporty but compliant, never pillowy like the Cads of yesteryear. Optional Recaro sport seats offer infinite adjustments, although the standard squabs are plenty fine if you want to save a few bucks. The CTS-V is the kind of car that will cruise in comfort for hours on the highway. But when you want to let loose, nail the gas pedal to unleash supercar-like levels of performance.